Anxiety and PTSD

[Sarah75]

Hi Everyone. I was in an abusive relationship in which my now ex partner was physically ,emotionally and mentally abusive. After 7 months of living back with my parents I am now in my own house and struggling. I feel anxious at night. I hate being alone when it's dark. I am taking a mixture of natural anxiety reliving medication and natural sleeping tablets. I am exercising and trying to eat a good diet. I hate feeling like this. I feel like he is still winning. I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions? I am going to start and see a Psychologist in the coming weeks.

Thank you 🙂

[JessF]

Hello Sarah, what an ordeal you have been through. It is understandable that you are going to be feeling this way for a time, but he has not won by any means - you made sure of that when you got out of the relationship and begun your healing process. Exercising, eating well and going to see a psychologist so she or he can help you work through the trauma you've been put through are all great moves. And even though it is tough, being back on your own so you can start feeling independent again.

I wonder if you can break down some of the feelings you have when you are alone at night.  Are there certain noises that make you over-anxious? Do you feel someone is going to come into the house? Once you isolate these things it is easier to "shine a light" on them so to speak and negate them.  Could you also perhaps invite your parents round for dinner a couple of times a week (or even a friend to stay over?) and ease your way back into independent living?

[33star]

Hi Sarah,  A good friend of mine was in a similar situation for 5 years but would have been more emotional and mental. She is now goin out with one of my best mates, soon to be married, and a lot different and better person. I give you 10/10 so far cause your doing everything right. Eating good and especially exercise (running which releases endorphins) is great. Things do get better over time. Defo, as you said, next step speak to a professional. If you wanted you could do sum group stuff to share experiences with other people and to know that there are many people in similar situations as you and have pulled through, so chin up hun!  I know it will come good.. 

[Sarah75]

Hi Jess,

Thanks so much for your reply! It means a lot! I have written a list of all of the things that cause me to be anxious on an evening and doing little things to try and over come them. I am a shift worker so come home on occasions quite late so have bought lamp timers so the house is nice and light now! It seems so silly to get into such a state over random things. I guess I felt safe and protected living with my parents and occasionally think my ex partner will come here, even though he has no idea where I am! I guess now I'm not in that "safe" environment (although I am safe where I am) all over the horrible things that happened have reared their ugly head! I'm feeling better and more positive compared to how I felt last week!

Thank you again!

Sarah

[Sarah75]

Thank you so much! I'm glad your friend is in a happy place! I'm feeling better and more positive! It's been good to talk and read peoples experiences on here and know that I am not alone!

Thank you!

Sarah!